Blog #21
STAR Project: a global benchmark in smart grids deployment
Authors: Maria Luz Cruz Aparicio
IBERDROLA
Context
Thanks to the STAR project, Iberdrola has completed the digitisation process of its distribution network in Spain with the installation of more than 10.8 million digital meters and the infrastructure that supports them, as well as the adaptation of around 90,000 transformation centres, to which it has incorporated remote management, supervision and automation capabilities. This digitalisation process has represented an investment of 2,000 million euros. Following the completion of the STAR project, the installation of smart meters has continued, with a total of more than 11.19 million meters having been installed.
With the transformation of the grids towards a smart infrastructure, we are advancing in our energy transition strategy and contributing to the decarbonisation of the economy, improving grid efficiency, optimising demand management and favouring the integration of more renewable energies and electric mobility.
In this way, we are also responding to new trends in the relationship with our customers, who demand more personalised products and services and more active management of how they consume electricity. The network’s digitisation means the electricity consumer is in a position to know in real time about, among other information, their consumption curves, as well as their demand for maximum power, or the way in which their electricity consumption is distributed. This allows for a more efficient use of electricity, being able to decide on the rate type that best suits their profile and way of life.
Iberdrola uses international standards and robust, maximum security encryption algorithms that guarantee the authentication, confidentiality and privacy of every one of its digital devices by means of unique user name and password identification. Furthermore, the digital meters use high-security cryptographic keys, in accordance with international standards, ensuring data packages leave encrypted and authenticated.
Iberdrola has also installed smart meters through its network subsidiaries in the United States and Brazil, and through its commercial subsidiary in the United Kingdom, thus configuring one of the most advanced smart grids in the world:
- In the United State, it has installed 1,000,000 smart meters in Maine, Connecticut and Ithaca.
- In Brazil, it has installed more than 220,000 smart meters in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia and Pernambuco.
- In the United Kingdom, Iberdrola’s commercial subsidiary has installed 1,500,000 smart meters through the Smart Meters project.
The Iberdrola group plans to install 21 million smart meters by 2025 in the countries where it operates. In addition, it plans to automate 100% of its high voltage network in the United States and increase the automation of its low voltage lines by 50%.
